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I nodded, trying to keep my emotions out of my voice. “Yes, Mr. Mayor, I do. My manufacturing company has been on that land for over thirty years. We’ve invested millions of dollars into the infrastructure, and we employ over four hundred people. If the city takes our land, we’ll be forced to shut down, and all of those people will lose their jobs.” I skipped pleasantries, going straight to the point. The mayor needs to know his decision is harmful. “This decision was not well thought out and I’m unduly being targeted. You can pick another piece of land for this tourist attraction. I don’t see why my land should be the focus here.”
The mayor leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I understand your concerns, Mr. Lawrence. But the fact of the matter is, the city has already made its decision. We believe that a new tourist attraction will bring in more revenue and create more jobs for the community. We simply cannot change our plans at this point. Also, we are not targeting you. We know how much you’ve given back to the community but that won’t change anything. We need that land because it’s the best for the plans we have and we believe that this would be beneficial in the long run.”
I felt a surge of frustration. I had been hearing the same argument from the city officials that I spoke with. They seemed unwilling to budge, no matter how much I persuaded them. “But what about my employees?” I asked, my voice rising slightly. “What will happen to them when the factories shut down? They have families to support, mortgages to pay. They can’t afford to lose their jobs. Your office ought to have contacted my company long before this. The deadline is just a few months away which is not enough to even help me bring the company back to its feet.”
The mayor sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Believe me, Mr. Lawrence, I sympathize with your situation. And I wish there was something I could do to help you. But the city simply cannot back down from its plans.”
“The city needs to review their decision because this is not a wise move. There’s no guarantee the tourist attraction will benefit the town as much as you believe. My company has been a boom for this town in terms of economy and reputation. You risk driving me and my company away from Salt Lake City. You obviously know that that land has been with my company for over three decades and for the city to suddenly snatch it with such impunity is illegal. I could drag this to court and it can get messy for you. I will do this if I have to. I came here to negotiate for a profitable deal between us. I just can’t evacuate the land. Mayor, you need to reconsider.” I said in a hard tone.
He waved a hand, “This tactic is not new to me Mr. Lawrence. Your beer company, Beverly Blue, is just that, about beer. It’s not sustainable. I agree your company has contributed greatly to Salt Lake City but right now we want to move on to something better that would benefit us all. A legal battle would take too long and before you know it, we will have the land and you will be left with nothing. I will be reasonable with you. The city will compensate you for your loss. If you can find any suitable land anywhere else in Salt Lake City I can help you pull some strings to get it for your company. Don’t be rash. Think about this before you make any decision.” He kept the warning silent but I could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t even trying to be polite anymore.
I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. I had been hoping for a different outcome, but it seemed like the mayor was dead set on this course of action. I resigned myself to the fact that I had lost the battle here and I’ll leave to find something better. Then the mayor spoke up again. “In a show of good faith,” he said, “there is one more thing we can do to help ease the transition for your employees. We can offer a monetary compensation package to those losing their jobs. Of course, it won’t be enough to replace their salaries, but it will give them some time to find new employment and make other arrangements.” His tone was condescending, I felt insulted.
“Thank you for your time, Mayor Adams. I will keep this in mind. But, for now, I’ll be taking my leave. I will get back to you on my final decision.” I rose and walked to the door. I was done with this conversation.
He said from behind me, “Keep this in mind; you won’t want to go to battle against the city.” I didn’t reply. The receptionist leaped away from the door, her face flushing with embarrassment. Ignoring her, I closed the door and walked out of the building.
With the city threatening to take away the land my headquarters of all manufacturing factories were on, I knew that I had to act fast. I couldn't just sit back and watch my business crumble before my eyes. I had to find a new location, and I had to do it quickly. I just never expected this to happen.
CHAPTER3
Samantha
“Sammy, how are you?”Mirabel’s voice cuts through the fog in my mind. I had just woken up as her call came in.
“Hey, I am fine. Been pretty bummed though. Why are you calling me this early?”
“I wanted to check in on you. Is that so wrong?” We both share a laugh. Mirabel is such a great friend.
“My bad, still I know there’s a reason you’re calling me.”
She said in a sly tone, “We haven’t had the chance to talk about your encounter with that mysterious man at the club. I think he looks familiar.”
“Bell, seriously? You called me because of that. It was just a one night stand. We both enjoyed ourselves and that was it. He is gone and I want to focus on something different.” I sighed, she can be pretty nosy.
“Honestly, I feel like I’ve seen him around. If I remember who or get to see him I’ll link you guys together. You both looked good together and my senses are telling me that…”
I cut in, “Yes, yes. Your senses, but right now, I don’t think that I need the stress of a relationship. Honestly, I’ve been thinking about what to do next with my life.”
Her voice became serious, “Is this about moving back to New York? You know you can’t just leave your parents’ home and everything they left you behind.”
“That’s right. Life in New York has been pretty hectic and being back home just made me realize how much I’ve missed the serene environment by these mountains.” I said forlornly.
“That’s the sign that you should stay. Who knows you might make something out of this. I’m sure your parents will be proud of you. And I would love to see you stay.” What she said sounds convincing. My heart and mind are stuck here and I didn’t want to go back to New York.
“You know what, Bell. I will do this. Though I might regret it later, I feel this is the right step. Thank you for being here for me.”
“Anything for you. Let’s talk later, I’ve gotta go. Bye.”
I ended the call with our conversation still playing in my head. Coming back home made me realize how much I’ve missed this place and that life in New York is not for me. I was having a new perspective in life. I thought it would be a good thing to start my life here and look after the property left by my parents. This is their legacy, I could not just leave it and go back to New York. Mirabel is right. The next step would be to call my boss and tell her about my decision. I was a bit nervous. Ever since I came back home for the funeral I hadn’t spoken to her.
I sat on the edge of my parents’ bed. I’ve been having trouble sleeping alone here. I could only find comfort in their room. Holding my phone in my hand, I stared at the screen. I took a deep breath before dialing my boss’s number. I had made up my mind to quit my job in New York City and start new here. I could do it and I will bring back the life in this house and fulfill my parents’ dreams.
After a few rings, she picked up the phone, “Hey Samantha, how’s everything going? Been a while since I’ve heard from you. I didn’t want to seem rude calling you during such a delicate period.” Her voice was sympathetic and gentle. I felt bad for ignoring all I left behind in New York but I could not turn back now.
“Hi, Brie. Actually, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Sure, what’s up?” She asked, sounding concerned.
